Of all formal things in the world, a clipped hedge is the most formal; and of all the informal things in the world, a forest tree is the most informal.

The real man is one who always finds excuses for others, but never excuses himself.

God sends experience to paint men's portraits.

Trouble teaches men how much there is in manhood.

Morality must always precede and accompany religion, and yet religion is much more than morality.

Some have supposed that the mosquito is of a devout turn, and never will partake of a meal without first saying grace. The devotions of some men are but a preface to blood-sucking.

What we call wisdom is the result of all the wisdom of past ages. Our best institutions are like young trees growing upon the roots of the old trunks that have crumbled away.